# Choose a Storytelling Challenge

Part of the Journalism Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/index.md)

*3. Storytelling and Interviews*

> **3.** Discuss the differences between a hard news story and a feature story. Explain what the five W's and H are. Then do ONE of the following:

This requirement has two parts before you make your choice:

- understand the difference between a **hard news story** and a **feature story**
- explain the **five W's and H**: who, what, when, where, why, and how

## Hard News vs. Feature Stories

A **hard news story** tells readers what happened and why it matters right now. It usually covers something timely: an election result, accident, weather emergency, meeting decision, or major announcement. Hard news tends to get to the point fast.

A **feature story** still reports facts, but it slows down and explores people, scenes, emotions, or background in more depth. A feature might profile a volunteer, explain a tradition, or show how an event affected people over time.

Think of it this way: hard news answers, "What happened today?" A feature answers, "What does this mean, and what is it like?"

## The Five W's and H

These questions help you gather enough information for a trustworthy story:

- **Who** was involved?
- **What** happened?
- **When** did it happen?
- **Where** did it happen?
- **Why** did it happen or matter?
- **How** did it happen?

![Illustrated wheel showing who, what, when, where, why, and how around a reporter's notebook](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/journalism/guide/five-ws-and-h-reporting-wheel?v=a902b644)

If you cannot answer several of these clearly, your reporting probably needs more work.

![Split comparison of hard news structure versus feature story structure with different reading flow](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/journalism/guide/hard-news-vs-feature-structure?v=640af254)

## Your Four Choices

**[Req 3a — Write the Story](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req3a/)**: Write either a hard news or feature article about a current or unusual event.

**[Req 3b — Interview an Influential Person](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req3b/)**: Interview someone important in your community and report what you learned.

**[Req 3c — Profile a Journalist](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req3c/)**: Read a journalist's autobiography and write about that person's life and contributions.

**[Req 3d — Cover a Scouting Event](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req3d/)**: Attend a Scouting event, write a 200-word article, and submit it for consideration.

**Choosing Your Storytelling Challenge** — Pick the option that best fits your interests and access

- [ ] **Want to cover something happening now?** Choose 3a.
- [ ] **Enjoy asking questions face to face?** Choose 3b.
- [ ] **Like reading about interesting careers and history?** Choose 3c.
- [ ] **Already have a troop, district, or council event coming up?** Choose 3d.
- [ ] **What you will gain:** 3a builds reporting structure, 3b strengthens interviewing, 3c teaches research and biography writing, and 3d adds real submission experience.

> **Tip**
>
> If you are deciding between two options, choose the one that gives you access to the strongest reporting material. A great interview subject or a timely event usually leads to a better story.

Video: [Hard News vs. Soft News: News Types Explained — K20 Center](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7lVkYt4jjw)

Next, start with the first choice: writing a news or feature story from a current or unusual event.

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- Previous: [Visiting a Station](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req2b2/index.md)
- Next: [Write the Story](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req3a/index.md)